Guide to Italy’s Natural Thermal Springs
There are some fantastic hot springs located in Italy, specifically in the Tuscany region. Nearly all of them remain open year-round, even under the dusting of snow that can speckle the famously hilly countryside in winter.
If you’re hunting for hidden gems or relaxing spa experiences involving therapeutic mineral water, Italy is a nation worth visiting. We’ll break down the Italian mineral springs into two categories, those in Tuscany in the west and those located outside of this area dense with thermal spas.
Tuscan Hot Springs
Located in a villa once owned by the ultra-powered Medici family in the 17th century, you’ll find a hotel and spa named Fonteverde. The spa calls itself a “thermal retreat” with panoramic pools that allow bathers to take in the rolling green hills.
The hotel rooms come equipped with balconies that take advantage of that same fairytale view. There are several pools on the property, filled with naturally occurring mineral water, some of which are jetted for ultimate relaxation.
What’s better than a steamy, turquoise pool enveloped by towering mountains? A steamy, turquoise pool enveloped by towering mountains that’s free to visit and bathe in!
That’s what you’ll find if you visit Parco dei Mulini. You do have to hike a bit to get to the pool, but the work is eased by the breathtaking views of farms, castles, and the once-working mill that sits very near the hot spring.
Other Tuscan Hot Springs:
- Terme di Petriolo
- Castello Di Velona Resort
- Terme San Filippo
- Terme di Saturnia
- Terme di Montepulciano
Hot Springs Outside of Tuscany
Near the northern border of the country, you’ll find Piscine Termali Leonardo, a veritable hotspot for water lovers. There are jacuzzis, a Turkish bath, massage beds, and thermal pools with waterfall features. In order to be assured that you can access all these amenities, the spa recommends booking time in the pools and any massage services at least two days in advance.
Also in the north is Parco Termale del Garda which is both hotel and what they brand as a “thermal park.” The many pools on the grounds are fed with mineral water notably high in silicon and touted as great for those seeking anti-inflammatory therapeutics. The onsite wellness center was recently given an add-on, a wing where salt rooms are located.
In the south, on the island of Sicily, sits Terme Segestane. These are hot springs without much interference from human hands. They are free to visit, although there is a small charge if you want a lock for your personal belongings or forget to bring your own swim cap.
There’s something extra special about these ancient waters. They are written into the myth of Hercules, as they are believed to be the springs called into being by the naiads for the hero’s enjoyment.
Other Italian Hot Springs:
- Terme Gorga
- Baia di Sorgeto Ischia
- Fonte delle Ninfe di Nitrodi
- Idroterme Olympus
- Terme di Cavascura
- Terme Belliazzi
- Hotel Hermitage & Park Terme
- Terme dei papi
- Hotel Salus Terme
- Terme di Roma
- Bambù Piscine Termali
Visit Italy
For the food. For the wine. For the art. And, of course, for the hot springs! While there is a cluster of bathing experiences in the Tuscan region of the country, there are also both luxurious and pricey as well as absolutely free options to recline in hot springs all over the nation.
Learn more about visiting Italy on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.
